In the often unseen NIU Sports Information Office, located in a hidden portion of Chick Evans Field House, there’s a new face in the crowd.

Amy Taylor, 29, has filled the position of assistant sports information director for Huskie athletics, replacing former assistant Janelle Martin. Martin left NIU last December to take an athletic administration position at the University of Kansas.

The task at hand for the Huskie newcomer will be assimilating herself with unfamiliar surroundings. Getting used to coaches and players, learning the filing system and blending in with co-workers Mike Korcek and Steve Nemeth will be among Taylor’s first assignments.

Korcek, NIU’s Sports Information Director, hired Taylor last month after conducting a national search for the position. About 55 people applied for the job. Korcek narrowed the applicants to three before he began interviewing.

“I felt she (Taylor) was the most qualified,” Korcek said. “She expressed a desire to work and anybody who knows anything about this office knows we are workers. The people I talked to about her background said she had no problem with working until things got done. I think her personality seems to fit in with the people here.”

Born and raised in Greencastle, Ind., Taylor graduated from Franklin College, Franklin, Ind. in 1981 and worked various jobs after graduation. She went on to get her master’s degree in athletic administration from Western Illinois University in Macomb before serving an internship at the University of Michigan in the fall of 1988.

There’s a little bit of Wolverine blood left in Taylor, but she admits to wanting to fit in as a Huskie.

“Unfortunately, NIU doesn’t have any gold in its uniforms, so I’m going to have to add some red and black clothes to my wardrobe,” Taylor said.

No stranger to moving from place to place, Taylor feels she’s ready to settle down—and that includes marriage. Come August, the name plate on her desk will have to be changed to Amy Carlton, and the Midwest will be her home for awhile.

“The postal service is glad I’m finally settling down,” Taylor said jokingly. “DeKalb reminds me of my home town. A small town atmosphere and it’s easy to get around. From day one everyone has made me feel at home, made me feel welcome.

“I know have have pretty big shoes to fill. I’ve seen the work Janelle (Martin) has done, and it’s a challenge to maintain that.”